POLICE launched a major investigation in North Wales last night after the suspicious death of an elderly woman.

Neighbours were shocked after the grim discovery of Mabel Leyshon's body at her home in Llanfairpwll, Anglesey.

Detective Chief Inspector John Clayton, leading the investigation, said: "Police were called to the house where the body of an elderly woman was found. We are treating the death as suspicious at the present time and a major investigation is being launched."

Det Chief Insp Clayton, head of CID in the Western Division, said: "It is too early at this stage to go into detail but the investigation has been launched because of the way the body was found and all lines of inquiry will be followed up.

"We are trying to piece together the last movements of the woman and keeping an open mind. We are appealing to anyone with information to contact the police." The discovery was made by a regular visitor to the house in Lon Pant at 12.40pm.

Last night, the area was sealed off as detectives and scenes-of-crime investigators joined forensic scientists at the detached bungalow which overlooks the Menai Strait.

Later, a Home Office pathologist arrived at the house to examine the body.

As darkness fell, detectives were carrying out house-tohouse enquiries in the area and other officers were stopping vehicles as they drove along Lon Pant.

The road leads from the A55 expressway into the centre of the village.

Neighbours were shocked by the death of Mrs Leyshon, who was widowed more than 20 years ago.

Caroline Basham-Jones lives next door and described her as " a very private person".

She said: "But she would always have time for a chat if she was outside. We didn't see a great deal of her but we could often hear the radio which was usually played very loudly."

Barry Roberts, who lives three doors away, said: "We are stunned by the news. I can't believe something like this has happened in such a quiet area."

Last night, an incident room was being set up at the Western Traffic base in Llandegai.